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Autumn 2005 Edition 35  |
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Autumn 2005 Edition 35 |
NEWS
VANCOUVER REAPS TOP ACCOLADES
Vancouver has recently added two new accolades to her long list of honours, being named both the "Most Liveable City" in the world, and "Best City in the Americas" to visit. The first honour comes care of rankings issued by international business intelligence firm, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The organization reviewed 127 cities worldwide on factors such as stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure, and placed Vancouver at the top of the list.
For the second year in a row, Condé Nast Traveler magazine voted Vancouver the "Best City in the Americas" at their annual Readers' Choice Awards - giving the top spot to Vancouver over San Miguel de Allende in Mexico and Buenos Aires in Argentina. The poll divides cities into five specific geographical divisions including the Americas, which covers Canada, Central America and South America, and scores them on ambience, friendliness, culture and sites, restaurants, lodging and shopping.
EUROPE - NORTH AMERICA
NEW ONLINE ROUTE FINDER
The Michelin group well known for their informative travel guides for motorists have now introduced an excellent online route finder. It also includes a dedicated hotel search box that brings up the 30 closest hotels to your destination. If you want to try it click on http://www.viamichelin.com
BGTW ANNOUNCE 2005 TOURISM
AWARDSAn urban regeneration programme in Johannesburg, a garden that champions the work of Victorian plant collectors
and a £34 million project at one of the world's most important archaeological sites are the winners of the British Guild of Travel Writers' (BGTW) prestigious 2005 Tourism
Awards.
New Guide Helps Visitors and Residents Navigate the Spanish Legal System
There are 250,000 ex-pats along the 120km stretch of the Costa del Sol, with a larger population along the Costa Blanca and as many as 100,000 who have made a new life in the Islands. Add to that a group of ‘permanent’ holidaymakers and the British community in Spain rapidly approaches a million.
Newcomers to any country, especially those intending to emigrate will need to have an understanding of the country’s legal system. Purchasing a property or a vehicle in Spain will mean dealing with legal issues and Spanish authorities. Residents will need to understand several forms of taxation and obey laws in a country with different customs and a different language. Little information is available to help newcomers deal with Spanish laws even though there is a real need for explanation and guidance in a country where legal contradictions appear commonplace.
Knowing the Law in Spain is a practical guide to the most common applications of Spanish law affecting a foreigner who spends a considerable amount of time in Spain. Describing procedures for essential tasks which every homeowner will need to know, it offers advice on when to go it alone, when to get advice and when it is necessary to stand back and allow an expert to take over.
Knowing the Law in Spain is a one-stop legal guide that can help you avoid getting caught out by the Spanish legal system. Main topics covered include:
• Your status as a European Union citizen
• Cash, credit and currency
• Buying, selling, letting or renting your property
• Customs control and consumer protection
• Working in Spain
• Personal taxation
• Buying, selling and running a car
• Birth, marriage, divorce and death
• Wills and inheritance taxKnowing the Law in Spain is published by How To Books Ltd. and is available at £10.99 in major bookshops
www.howtobooks.co.uk
USA -
The Smart Way to Enter New York
(From AIR & BUSINESS TRAVEL NEWS)A passenger off of NCL's latest luxury flagship, the superb Norwegian Jewel was spotted in Big Apple'scruise pier 90 wearing what looked like the latest in Scottish trews
but on closer inspection were pyjamas.
As cruisers will know the luggage on the last night has to be out in the corridor prior to
turning in so that it is ready on the dockside upon disembarkation.Sadly this passenger's wife had been too keen, not only ensuring a cabin bereft of personal items, but packing her partner's trousers as well. He was reported to comment "words fail me after 30 years of marriage!"
US - UK
NEW FLIGHTS LINK NY & NE ENGLANDAmerican Airline news
American Airlines has announced that it will begin a service between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and Newcastle, UK. It is the first time the two cities have been linked by a non-stop scheduled air service. American Airlines will begin serving the route on 1st May 2006. For further information please click here or contact Tim Smith at http://corp.comm@aa.com.
BANNED AIRLINES
Belgium and France have publicly listed a number of, mostly African,
airlines barred from operating within each country. Landing permits
have been suspended for Africa Lines (Central African Republic), Air
Memphis (Egypt), Air Van Airlines (Armenia),
EUROPE
SKIING CHEAPER THAN A DECADE AGOThe cost of skiing holidays to many European resorts has fallen in real terms over the past 10 years, according to a new survey.
The biggest savings are in Switzerland, where the cost of a week in a three-star hotel plus a lift pass in the country’s top resorts during mid-season is around £850 per person – 20% cheaper in real terms than in 1995.
The survey was conducted by editors Chris Gill and Dave Watts, for their book ‘Where to Ski and Snowboard 2006
US
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN
New guide to multicultural Milwaukee, Wisconsin released
VISIT Milwaukee has released the second edition of the Guide to Multicultural Milwaukee. The multicultural guide details history, dining, nightlife, arts, attractions, media, services and cultural offerings of Milwaukee's diverse population. The guide highlights VISIT Milwaukee's multicultural members. VISIT Milwaukee utilises the multicultural guide as an informational tool to attract both conventions and visitors to the Greater Milwaukee area.
To obtain an online copy of the guide, please click here or contact Wendy Haase at whaase@milwaukee.org.
USA
PASSPORT CHANGES
All potential travelers to the U.S. will need need to acquire a new, machine-readable passport .This policy affects only citizens visiting the U.S. from the 27 Visa Waiver Program countries.
The Department of Homeland Security announced that travellers can continue coming to the United States from Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) countries with passports that feature a high resolution digital photo. While countries will continue to work towards the goal of incorporating biometric identifiers in passports, visitors can book trips to the U.S. without worrying whether documentary rules will affect their travel plans.
The new requirements state:
• As of 26th October, 2005, all countries must issue passports with digital photos or the required chip (e-passport) containing biometric information about the individual.
• However, anyone issued a passport prior to 26th October, 2005, will be allowed to visit the U.S. until the passport expires.
• All Visa Waiver Programme countries must issue the required biometric chip (e-passport) by 26th October, 2006.
FRANCE - COMING IN 2006
Taking place in Avignon on May 6, 7 and 8 in 2006 will be the second Altera Rosa (the name refers to the fact that Avignon itself is known as Altera Roma - the other Rome). It's a unique opportunity for the public to meet many of the top professionals involved in rose-cultivation
EVENTS
ALSACE IS HOME TO EUROPE’S OLDEST CHRISTMAS MARKETS
One of the most exciting regions in France to visit during the build up to Christmas is Alsace, on the country’s border with Germany. It features an eclectic mix of cultures and landscapes and every year, when winter comes, the region is transformed into a Christmas wonderland.Alsace may be France’s smallest region but the entire area hums with activity, towns and cities are illuminated brightly and decorations sparkle in every house. Processions, street shows, and Nativity plays are performed in towns and villages and Christmas markets are set up selling gifts, regional specialities and food and wine.
A range of tour operators offer Christmas Market breaks to Strasbourg including Railbookers (0870 730 0720 www.railbookers.com). Prices for two nights staying in the four star Holiday Inn Strasbourg start from £169 per person including Eurostar and onward return rail travel to Strasbourg from London.Air France offers direct flights to Strasbourg from Gatwick and also via Paris from other UK airports including London Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh (www.airfrance.com). Ryan Air flies from Stansted to Karlsruhe-Baden in Germany and only 40 minutes drive from Strasbourg (www.ryanair.com).
For further information on Christmas in Alsace ring Alsace Tourism on + 33 (0) 3.89.24.73.50 or visit www.noel-alsacetourisme.com .For further information on Strasbourg visit www.ot-strasbourg.fr.
Global warming threat to Med holidays’
Most Mediterranean seaside resorts will become out of bounds during the peak summer, a climate change expert has warned.
Dr David Viner, from the Climatic Research Unit at the University of East Anglia, made the prediction at the annual conference of the European Tour Operators Association in London.
He told operators: “As a result of increasing temperatures, most of the Mediterranean coastal areas will become unsuitable for tourism during the summer months.”
Viner pointed out that nine of the 10 warmest years on record have occurred in the last decade. And in 2003, the World Health Organisation attributed more than 25,000 deaths in Europe to the July-August heat wave.
He said that the European summer of 2003 provided a useful guide for the future and he forecast dramatic implications for the tourism industry.
These included:
*Sea-level rise in the Mediterranean will damage the quality of beaches, the environment and the tourism infrastructure.
*Travel patterns will change, creating new pressures on infrastructure and the environment.
*The ski season will become shorter, as many low-lying ski-resorts in Alpine regions are vulnerable to an increase in winter temperatures and reduction in snow amounts
AIR CANADA
has become the latest to join the Boeing 787 bandwagon with a firm order for 14 aircraft, a commitment first announced earlier
this year but the subject of cancellation due to pilot union disturbances. With the flight deck problems now out of the way, AC has
gone ahead signing up with Boeing for 14 Dreamliners, the first to be
delivered in 2010, plus 48 options and also for 18 Triple Sevens
including a requirement for "some" LR versions, the subject of the
Boeing story below. Air Canada is the 25th airline to select the 787,
bringing the total number of announced firm orders and commitments to
309. http://www.aircanada.ca
THOUSANDS OF £6 FARES TO PARIS,
AMSTERDAM, BRUSSELS AND CORK
….OR RETURN FOR UNDER A TENNEREurolines is offering thousands of unbelievable winter-getaway deals with fares of just £6 to Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels and Cork until March 31st 2006.
The largest scheduled coach service operator to the continent and Ireland is making these cut-price ‘Fun Fares’ available on its website www.eurolines.co.uk throughout the winter. The fare includes a £3 booking fee so return fares weigh in at a just £9. There are no additional costs either and the services run from Victoria Coach Station in the heart of London to the heart of each of the cities.
Managing Director John Gilbert said: “A lot of people want to get away somewhere different to break up the long winter months. All these cities are easy to reach and have loads to offer. With a single fare for £6 and a return journey for under £10 they’ll be a temptation few can resist.”
Booking can only be done online and are subject to availability, but seats are available on most days.
Eurolines operates its PLUS services to Amsterdam and Paris, with additional leg-room, complimentary drink on the Channel Crossing and free headphones to use onboard for the video and audio entertainment (or to take away and use later).
THE DEAL:
Booking Fun Fares online at http://www.eurolines.co.uk
MONACO
GARNIER’S OPÉRA DE MONTE-CARLO TO RE-OPEN ON NATIONAL DAY
AFTER €26 MILLION REFURBISHMENTMonaco’s stunning Opéra de Monte-Carlo will re-open its doors on November 19th 2005 following an extensive €26 million renovation involving over 35 specialised companies over a period of two years. The re-opening coincides with Monaco’s National Day festivities - the highlight of which will undoubtedly be the performance of Rossini’s ‘Le Voyage a Reims’ directed by Pier Luigi Pizza.
WORLDGUIDE GETS A MAKEOVER
Check out lonelyplanet.com's fresh, new WorldGuide. With a mere 21,000 pages of in-depth destination info, it's all the great content users have come to expect, wrapped in sleek on-screen design. This site has brains and beauty
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/
CANADA
ALL ABOARD!
WHISTLER MOUNTAINEER NOW TAKING BOOKINGS
Bookings are now being taken for the new Whistler Mountaineer rail trip, that will begin service in May 2006. The train offers a unique way for visitors to travel up to Whistler from Vancouver. The three-hour trip will take in breathtaking views of the Sea to Sky corridor, old-growth forests, deep valleys, snow-capped peaks, seascapes and mountain views. The daily morning service from Vancouver will include breakfast, while the afternoon return trip will include afternoon tea. One way fares start at $99 CAD (approximately $81 USD).
www.whistlermountaineer.com
WALKING HOLIDAYS JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED
Waymark Holidays offers a range of 7-14 day walking tours in Europe in the summer months, with winter walking, snowshoeing and winter experience trips in winter. Grades range from ‘sightseeing’ to Grade 4+ that features long days with some scrambling and peak bagging.
For more information see http://www.waymarkholidays.com or phone
01753 516 477.
WELCOME TO FRANCE, THE WINE COUNTRY!
Easy to get to, France’s 17 wine-growing areas offer a wide range of short breaks, so that you can spend anything from a day to a week visiting wine cellars, learning about wine, discovering the cultural heritage, relaxing or enjoying outdoor activities. You can choose whatever combination of activities you like, make your own plans or follow one of our suggestions.
Did you know that all 17 wine-growing areas can be found on www.franceguide.com ?
You can also order your copy of France, the wine country for free!
UK - STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
COMPLETE WORKS OF SHAKESPEARE’ IN 2006
The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is to stage the biggest festival in its history, featuring every play, sonnet and poem by the great dramatist. “The Complete Works” will be staged in Stratford-upon-Avon (April 2006 – April 2007), the town where the Bard was born and is buried and home of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
All 37 plays will be presented at the same event for the first time, and the RSC joined by theatre companies from around the world. Highlights include Dame Judi Dench in a musical version of The Merry Wives of Windsor; Ian McKellen making his debut as King Lear, directed by Sir Trevor Nunn; Patrick Stewart in The Tempest and Antony and Cleopatra; Yukio Ninagawa’s Titus Andronicus in Japanese and an all-male Twelfth Night performed in Russian.
SCOTLAND.
GLASGOWART TREASURES OF KELVINGROVE
Until November 2005 McLellan Galleries, Glasgow
Glasgow’s public art collections are amongst the best in Europe, and for over a hundred years, their principal showroom has been the beloved Art Gallery & Museum at Kelvingrove. Kelvingrove is now closed for refurbishment until 2006, so the best of the collection - including works by Botticelli, Whistler, Turner, Rembrandt, Reubens and Mackintosh - is on show at McLellan Galleries.
http://www.glasgowmuseums.com
USA - VACATONS WITH A LEG AT EACH CORNER
The Colorado Dude & Guest Ranch
Association now has its 2005 full-color Vacation Guide available.
The 2005 Vacation Guide has been completely updated into a new, larger
format.The guide contains a useful chart that makes comparing individual ranch activity offerings, rates, lodging, and children's programs quick and easy. And a new pricing format enables potential guests to compare ranches within each price level so they can find the right ranch for their budget.
To obtain the free directory see: http://www.duderanching.info
